Haithcock, Barfield, Hulse & King, PLLC

Haithcock, Barfield, Hulse & King, PLLC HBHK is a full-service law firm based in Eastern North Carolina, dedicated to guiding our clients through life's challenges.

Located directly across from the Wayne County Courthouse on East Walnut Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina, we are a full-service law firm serving the needs of thousands of clients across Goldsboro, Wayne County and surrounding areas. Whether you're facing criminal charges, navigating a family dispute, planning your estate, or managing a complex legal issue, our experienced attorneys deliver trus

ted counsel with a deep commitment to integrity and competence. We are best known for our effective criminal and traffic defense work—often serving as the first point of contact for clients—while also offering wraparound legal services in family law, litigation, estate planning, and more.

Grandparents often play a major role in a child’s life.In some families, they help with transportation, childcare, schoo...
09/01/2026

Grandparents often play a major role in a child’s life.

In some families, they help with transportation, childcare, school activities, and day-to-day support. In other situations, they become a primary source of stability during difficult circumstances.

North Carolina law allows grandparents to seek custody in certain situations, though each case depends heavily on the facts involved.

One important point: courts focus on the child's welfare and the specific family circumstances before making custody decisions.

For families in Wayne County, these cases often involve unique family dynamics that require careful consideration.

This article discusses when grandparents may be able to pursue custody and the factors courts evaluate.


https://www.hbhklaw.com/blog-1/can-grandparents-get-custody-in-north-carolina-what-you-need-to-know

A will does not control every asset.Some assets pass based on beneficiary designations or ownership structure:- Life ins...
08/27/2026

A will does not control every asset.

Some assets pass based on beneficiary designations or ownership structure:
- Life insurance
- Retirement accounts
- Joint bank accounts
- Certain real estate interests

If those designations are outdated, assets may pass in ways the family never expected.

Periodic review helps keep plans aligned.

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary future.” — C.S. Lewis
08/25/2026

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary future.” — C.S. Lewis

Court systems vary from county to county.Wayne County has its own scheduling practices, filing expectations, and procedu...
08/20/2026

Court systems vary from county to county.

Wayne County has its own scheduling practices, filing expectations, and procedural routines.

That local familiarity helps avoid preventable delays and unnecessary confusion.

Procedural details matter more than most people expect.


https://www.hbhklaw.com/

Separation is an emotional event. It’s also a financial event.Many of the decisions made during the first few months of ...
08/18/2026

Separation is an emotional event. It’s also a financial event.

Many of the decisions made during the first few months of a separation have long-term consequences. Some affect property division. Some affect credit. Some affect future negotiations.

A few examples include:
- Emptying joint accounts without a plan
- Taking on new debt
- Failing to gather financial records
- Ignoring beneficiary designations
- Making large purchases before property issues are resolved

One detail that surprises many people in North Carolina is how important documentation becomes. Bank statements, retirement account balances, and debt records often become key pieces of evidence later.

This article highlights seven common financial mistakes and why early planning is important.


https://www.hbhklaw.com/blog-1/7-financial-mistakes-people-make-during-separation

Did you know?In North Carolina, missing a court date can lead to:✔ An order for arrest✔ Additional fees✔ Driver’s licens...
08/14/2026

Did you know?

In North Carolina, missing a court date can lead to:
✔ An order for arrest
✔ Additional fees
✔ Driver’s license complications in some cases
✔ A case becoming significantly harder to resolve

Court dates are not suggestions.

If paperwork gets lost, an address changes, or there’s confusion about scheduling, those issues should be addressed quickly.

A missed date creates problems that often snowball.

Families often focus on bank accounts, real estate, and legal documents when planning an estate.Then the disagreements b...
08/12/2026

Families often focus on bank accounts, real estate, and legal documents when planning an estate.

Then the disagreements begin over the dining room table, grandfather’s watch, military medals, jewelry, photo albums, and family keepsakes.

These items may not carry major financial value. They often carry enormous emotional value.

In North Carolina estates, vague instructions can create family conflict that lasts long after the estate is settled.

A written personal property memorandum or clear instructions within an estate plan can help avoid confusion.

This article addresses how families can plan for heirlooms with greater clarity.

https://www.hbhklaw.com/estateplanning101/leaving-the-heirlooms-to-your-heirs

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill
08/10/2026

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill

Family Law FAQ: Does moving out of the house mean giving up your rights to it?Short answer: no.In North Carolina, moving...
08/06/2026

Family Law FAQ: Does moving out of the house mean giving up your rights to it?

Short answer: no.

In North Carolina, moving out during a separation does not automatically mean forfeiting ownership rights in marital property.

Ownership, equitable distribution, and financial claims are based on legal factors such as:
- When the property was acquired
- How it was titled
- Whether marital funds were used

That said, moving out can affect practical issues like possession of the home, temporary parenting arrangements, and household finances.

Big decisions made during emotional moments can create long-term consequences.

Address

233 East Walnut Street
Goldsboro, NC
27530

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 1pm

Telephone

(919) 735-6420

Website

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